Teen runs, cycles, scoots and skateboards marathon to raise money for hospital

A teenage boy has completed a marathon of fundraising activities to raise money for a specialist children’s hospital that has treated him since he was five years old.

Sam Short, 13, from Parson’s Green, Fulham, was born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, and has been under the care of Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Westminster Bridge Road for more than eight years.

Achondroplasia is a condition caused by a gene mutation which means that bones do not grow properly. It can lead to other health issues including sleep apnoea and chronic pain.

Along with his siblings, Alex and Issy Short, and parents, Jon and Jenn Short, Sam ran, cycled, scooted and skateboarded the distance of a marathon in 24 hours to raise money for Evelina London Children’s Charity.

Sam’s mum, Jenn Short, said: “We were so excited to complete our fundraising challenge for Evelina London Children’s Charity. 

“Sam loves sports and plays on the school cricket team. He looked forward to the challenge but was also a little bit nervous, as it was a long distance to cover.

“Sam did a great job and managed to complete the run without stopping, I’m really proud of how well he did.

 “This marathon of sports was Sam’s way of giving back and saying thanks for all the care he has received, as we have come across so many different teams at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and everyone has been amazing.”

Since he was six years old, Sam has been taking part in a clinical trial at Evelina London and has been having daily injections of vosoritide, a treatment which improves the way his bones grow. This will help protect him against the health problems and day-to-day difficulties associated with his condition.

Dr Melita Irving, consultant clinical geneticist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, said: “Sam is an inspirational teenager, and it has been a pleasure getting to know him and his family.”

Sam and his family have previously raised over £4,000 for Evelina London Children’s Charity.

You can donate to Sam’s fundraising by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sam-Short-Evelina.

Pictured Top: Sam Short (Picture: Jenn Short)